Three Days In Napa Valley?

[theprotest]

Hi, After a wedding in Hawaii in August (not mine), have three days in the Napa to have a poke around. Hoping to hit some high quality, low distribution single vineyard wineries. Just wanting to hear your thoughts on what the must see wineries would be. I am leaning towards jumping on the Napa Valley Wine Train. Any thoughts or experiences welcomed. Cheers, Nik

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[SallyMobile]

Here's some of the ones I've visited:

Suggestions on must visit Napa Vineyards?

Here are some others you may want to try if you're looking high quality low distribution:

Outpost
School House
Realm
Paloma
Lewelling
Tresspass
Neal
Viader
David Arthur
Seavey
Gemstone
Guiliams

[theprotest]

Hi,

I searched, but couldn't see your thread. Cheers for the link, I'll have a read.

Thanks for the response also, I'll be sure to put those on the list.

Cheers,
Nik

[Dev911]

Elizabeth Spencer
Black Stallion
Cave barrel tasting at Del Dotto
just to name a few favs.

[theprotest]

Hi,

Thanks for the recommendations Dev. The cave barrel tasting sounds interesting!

Cheers,
Nik

[Dev911]

Nik, you will walk out of the barrel tasting feeling no pain! It's a lot of fun and get to learn about the importance of barrels as you taste about 8 wines, finishing up with a port and some chocolate. Highly recommend it, call ahead.

[STRONG 6iX]

my gf and I are heading up there March 21st weekend. We were going to take the tour but we figured, it'd be more fun to drive ourselves and just make our own schedule. good luck!

[SallyMobile]

Originally Posted by STRONG 6iX

my gf and I are heading up there March 21st weekend. We were going to take the tour but we figured, it'd be more fun to drive ourselves and just make our own schedule. good luck!

Very cool! My wife and I are heading up there the weekend after.

[bbs993tt]

I have not been there myself, but have a good friend that has, but the Jordan Winery is supposed to be spectacular. Call ahead.

[djmrsulu]

Originally Posted by bbs993tt

I have not been there myself, but have a good friend that has, but the Jordan Winery is supposed to be spectacular. Call ahead.

I'm buddies with the Director of Sales @ Jordan, and I can attest that the grounds and buildings are spectacular. It helps that it's not open to the general public, so it's easier to keep in great shape.

Do bear in mind that Jordan is in the Sonoma area (specifically Healdsburg, near Geyserville), which is a bit of a drive from Napa. For any winery you're planning to go to, I'd map driving directions so you know how long it will take you to drive there.

Otherwise, my only bits of advice are:

1) follow SallyMobile's advice to a tee. He's a dedicated connoisseur when it comes to Napa.
2) if you happen to be a member of any winery's mailing list and have made purchases thru that list, contact the winery and see if they'll provide a special tour for you. I've been accomodated at some high-end wineries that aren't open to the public whatsoever b/c I've been buying from them for some time (e.g. Spottswoode, Pahlmeyer, Philip Togni).

[theprotest]

Hi again,

Thanks for the great comments and information.

I'm not on any mailing lists unfortunately, postage of wine in and out of Australia is hugely expensive. Living in a winery makes you a bit stale on wine though, so I'm really looking forward to the opportunity.

One small one, are there any cool hire car companies that would be convenient to use for the region? Nothing super flashy, but a couple of steps above a Corolla would be nice...

Cheers,
Nik

[SallyMobile]

All of the major rental car companies are in the area. Here are some great tips on how to get the best pricing or model upgrades:

http://consumerist.com/consumer/ente...man-243325.php

How's pricing on Australian wines down there where you live? Are Chris Ringland (used to be Three Rivers) Shiraz expensive there?

[Trifecta]

I second the Del Dotto wine caves tour....Call and see if Dave(owner) is going to be there, he is a great host. Good times have been had tasting his private collection(Barolo's, Barbaresco's...etc). Awesome place! Ask how to get on the Barrels and Beast's dinner...insider tip.

[theprotest]

Hi again,

Thanks for the tips on getting an upgrade. I should probably not worry about, as it'll be hard enough driving on the wrong (for me) side of the road...

For Chris Ringland you are looking at about $850-1000AUD.

Another recommendation for the Del Dotto! That's definitely on the must do list now.

Cheers,
Nik

[Dev911]

I used Beau Wine Tours. Wifey and I were driven around in an XL town car with a very knowledgeable driver who made it an exceptional tour. He taught us alot as he showed us many small, quaint wineries with very friendly people inside.
I think I paid $500. for the day and it was worth every penny not to drive!